Lions hoping for frenzied atmosphere on Monday Night Football

The Lions host the Baltimore Ravens on Monday Night Football in what amounts to a playoff-type atmosphere for both teams

The last time the Detroit Lions hosted a Monday Night Football Game at Ford Field, the atmosphere was so frenzied the Chicago Bears wracked up nine false start penalties.

There's still a game ball framed in the atrium at Ford Field that was given to the crowd of 67,861 by head coach Jim Schwartz for their impact in helping the Lions to a 24-13 win.

"Our fans knew what time it was and they responded and we are going to need them to do the same thing," Schwartz said. "I think Ford Field is a tough place for people to come in and play. If we can get a couple plays like that that might be the edge we need in that game."

The Lions were in the midst of a 4-0 start to their season heading into that Monday night game back in 2011.

Tonight's game has a little more significance, however, being Week 15 and the Lions in the thick of the NFC playoff race.

"We obviously feed off of our fans," defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh said. "We look forward to it. I tell them that if they can bring a little bit more, bring a little bit more. I look forward to it. I look forward to feeding off and making plays for them to cheer for."

Monday Night Football isn't the only nationally televised game each week in the NFL anymore with the emergence of Thursday Night Football on the NFL Network and NBC's Sunday Night Football, but it's still special to the players.

"Monday night is always going to be special for guys," Calvin Johnson said. "Guys get extra excited and extra geeked up for those games just because the whole world is watching. We haven't played in many since I've been here, but it's definitely a special occasion for the city."

The Lions have asked everyone in attendance to wear blue to the game for what they're hoping will be a "Blue Out." Ford Field should be wild in what amounts to a playoff-type atmosphere for both Detroit (7-6) and Baltimore (7-6).

"Monday night is fun," quarterback Matthew Stafford said. "It's a blast. Our fans do a great job, or they did last time we had it here, of coming out and supporting us and making it tough for the other team.

"It's a big one for us and not only because it's on Monday night, but just the situation that both teams are in the season. We're looking forward to it.”